Bachelor Nation

‘The Golden Bachelor’ Reveals Season 2 Lead! Meet Mel Owens

Mel Owens, the new lead of 'The Golden Bachelor' Season 2
Disney / Maarten de Boer

This fall is already feeling golden. The Golden Bachelor will return for Season 2 later this year on ABC. Bachelor Nation fans have been on the edge of their seats waiting to see who will be the lucky guy handing out roses following Gerry Turner‘s run on the show. Well, now we have our answer!

The hit spinoff follows an older gentleman as he looks for love in his sunset years. Mel Owens has been named the lead of The Golden Bachelor Season 2, ABC announced on April 22. As the show’s new suitor, he’s “eager to meet someone who shares this vision and finally find that perfect teammate he’s been waiting for in his golden years.”

Since he wasn’t a contestant on The Golden Bachelorette, you’re probably wondering: Who is Mel Owens? Swooon has rounded up everything you need to know about the 66-year-old Golden hunk. He’s a familiar face if you’re an NFL fan!

 

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Is Mel Owens famous?

Yes! Unlike Turner, who was plucked from obscurity and became The Golden Bachelor’s first lead, Owens has been in the spotlight. He played in the NFL for nine seasons.

After attending and playing football at the University of Michigan, the Detroit native was selected in the first round (ninth pick) of the NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. He played linebacker for the NFL team from 1981 to 1989.

What does Mel Owens do for a living now?

After he retired from football, Owens obtained his Series 7 License and worked at Merrill Lynch as a financial advisor. He then segued into a law career. He attended the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Owens was admitted to the California bar in 2003. Three years later, he became a founding partner of Namanny, Byrne & Owens in California. According to ABC, he dedicated his post-NFL career “to helping others, particularly those seeking justice for sports-related injuries.”

Has Mel Owens been married?

Yes! Owens was previously married to his “first love,” Fabiana Pimentel. They divorced in 2020, according to court documents.

Does Mel Owens have kids?

Owens has two sons with his ex-wife. ABC noted that after his “life took an unexpected turn with the passing of his father and the end of his marriage, Owens channeled his energy into being the best father he could be, focusing on raising his sons and coaching their extracurricular sports teams.”

The Golden Bachelor, Season 2, 2025, ABC

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